Photoelectric conversion apparatus, imaging system, and moving object

ABSTRACT

A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a photodiode, a counter, a control circuit. The photodiode is configured to cause avalanche multiplication. The counter is configured to generate a count signal as a result of counting a pulse generated by the avalanche multiplication during a predetermined period. The control circuit is configured to perform control to bring the photodiode into a waiting state in which the avalanche multiplication is possible and a stop state in which the avalanche multiplication is stopped, based on the count signal during a predetermined period.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/752,107, filed Jan. 24, 2020, which claims priority from JapanesePatent Application No. 2019-014727, filed Jan. 30, 2019, which arehereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Field

One disclosed aspect of the embodiments relates to a photoelectricconversion apparatus, an imaging system, and a moving object.

Description of the Related Art

A photon-counting photoelectric conversion apparatus is known thatdigitally counts the number of photons incident on a light receptionunit configured to cause avalanche multiplication, and outputs thiscounted value from a pixel as a digital signal. InternationalPublication No. 2014/097519 discusses an operation in which, after thephotodiode causes the avalanche multiplication, an operation ofrecharging the photodiode to cause the avalanche multiplication again isstopped during a predetermined period.

International Publication No. 2014/097519 fails to take intoconsideration a reduction in power consumption at the pixelcorresponding to a luminance of incident light, thereby lacking settingof a stop operation corresponding to an increase in the count value.Therefore, this technique involves such a problem that the powerconsumption increases at the pixel when the avalanche multiplication iscaused frequently, in a case where, for example, light with highilluminance is incident on the pixel.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the embodiments, a photoelectric conversionapparatus includes a photodiode, a counter, and a control circuit. Thephotodiode is configured to cause avalanche multiplication. The counteris configured to count a pulse generated by the avalanche multiplicationduring a predetermined period and generate a count signal having a countvalue. The control circuit is configured to perform control to bring thephotodiode into a waiting state in which the avalanche multiplication ispossible and a stop state in which the avalanche multiplication isstopped. The control circuit is configured to perform control to sethigher a ratio of a length of a period during which the photodiode is inthe stop state, to a length of a period during which the photodiode isin the waiting state for a period after the count value reaches thethreshold value, than a period before the count value reaches thethreshold value.

Further features of the disclosure will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of aphotoelectric conversion apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic configuration of a pixel.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a configuration of the pixel.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the pixel.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the pixel.

FIG. 6 illustrates a relationship between the number of incident photonsand a count signal.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a configuration of a pixel.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a configuration of a pixel.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a configuration of a pixel.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a configuration of a pixel.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a configuration of a pixel.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart illustrating an operation of the pixel.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of animaging system.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an example of a configuration of an imagingsystem and a moving object.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following disclosure relates to the reduction in the powerconsumption at the pixel that causes the avalanche multiplication.

A photoelectric conversion apparatus and a method for driving itaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to the present exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of a pixel in the photoelectric conversion apparatusaccording to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuitdiagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the pixel in thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to the present exemplaryembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a pixel region10, a vertical selection circuit 30, signal processing circuits 40, ahorizontal selection circuit 50, an output circuit 60, and a controlcircuit 70.

A plurality of pixels P, which is laid out in a matrix form across aplurality of row directions and a plurality of column directions, isprovided in the pixel region 10. FIG. 1 illustrates 36 pixels P laid outin six rows from a zeroth row to a fifth row and six columns from azeroth column to a fifth column together with reference numeralsindicating row numbers and column numbers. For example, a referencenumeral “P14” is assigned to the pixel P laid out in the first row andthe fourth column.

The number of rows and the number of columns in the pixel array formingthe pixel region 10 are not especially limited. Further, the pixels P donot necessarily have to be laid out two-dimensionally in the pixelregion 10. For example, the pixel region 10 may include one pixel P, orthe pixels P may be laid out one-dimensionally in the row direction orthe column direction in the pixel region 10.

A control line PVSEL is arranged for each of the rows in the pixel arrayin the pixel region 10 while extending in a first direction (ahorizontal direction in FIG. 1). The control line PVSEL is connected toeach of the pixels P lined in the first direction, and serves as acommon signal line shared among these pixels P. The first direction inwhich the control line PVSEL extends may be referred to as the rowdirection or the horizontal direction. FIG. 1 illustrates the controlline PVSEL together with a reference numeral indicating the row number.For example, a reference numeral “PVSEL[1]” is assigned to the controlline PVSEL of the first row.

The control line PVSEL of each row is connected to the verticalselection circuit 30. The vertical selection circuit 30 is a circuitunit that supplies a control signal for driving a signal generationcircuit (not illustrated) in the pixel P to the pixel P via the controlline PVSEL. The vertical scanning circuit 30 controls a start and an endof a period during which a counter included in the pixel 11, which willbe described below, cumulates a count.

An output line POUT is arranged for each column in the pixel array inthe pixel region 10 while extending in a second direction (a verticaldirection in FIG. 1) intersecting with the first direction. The outputline POUT is connected to each pixel P lined in the second direction,and serves as a common signal line shared among the pixels P. The seconddirection in which the output line POUT extends may be referred to asthe column direction or the vertical direction. FIG. 1 illustrates thecontrol line POUT together with a reference numeral indicating thecolumn number. For example, a reference numeral “POUT4” is assigned tothe output line POUT of the fourth column Each of the output lines POUTincludes n signal lines for outputting an n-bit digital signal.

The output lines POUT are connected to the signal processing circuits40. Each of the signal processing circuits 40 is provided correspondingto each column in the pixel array in the pixel region 10, and isconnected to the output line POUT of the corresponding column. Thesignal processing circuit 40 has a function of holding the signal outputfrom the pixel P via the output line POUT of the column correspondingthereto. The signal output from the pixel P is the n-bit signal inputvia the n signal lines in the output line POUT, and, therefore, each ofthe signal processing circuits 40 includes at least n holding units forholding the signal of each bit.

The horizontal selection circuit 50 is a circuit unit that supplies acontrol signal for reading out the signal from the signal processingcircuit 40, to the signal processing circuit 40. The horizontalselection circuit 50 supplies the control signal to the signalprocessing circuit 40 of each column via a control line PHSEL. Uponreceiving the control signal from the horizontal selection circuit 50,the signal processing circuit 40 outputs the signal held in the holdingunit to the output circuit 60 via a horizontal output line HSIG. FIG. 1illustrates the control line PHSEL together with a reference numeralindicating the column number. For example, a reference numeral“PHSEL[4]” is assigned to the control line PHSEL of the fourth column.The horizontal output line HSIG includes n signal lines for outputtingthe n-bit digital signal.

The output circuit 60 is a circuit unit for outputting the signalsupplied via the horizontal output line HSIG to the outside of thephotoelectric conversion apparatus 100 as an output signal SOUT. Thecontrol circuit 70 is a circuit unit for supplying control signals forcontrolling operations and the timings of the vertical selection circuit30, the signal processing circuits 40, the horizontal selection circuit50, and the output circuit 60. At least a part of the control signalsfor controlling the operations and the timings of the vertical selectioncircuit 30, the signal processing circuits 40, the horizontal selectioncircuit 50, and the output circuit 60 may be supplied from the outsideof the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, each pixel P includes an avalanchemultiplication-type photodiode PD, a pixel control circuit 12, aselector 13, a photodiode (PD) control circuit 14, a waveform generationcircuit 15, and a counter 16.

In the present disclosure, the pixel control circuit 12 and the PDcontrol circuit 14 may be referred to as a control signal generationunit and a cathode voltage control unit, respectively.

An example of the configuration of the pixel will be described withreference to FIG. 3.

The pixel control circuit 12 outputs signals P1, P2, and P3 to theselector 13. The selector 13 outputs any signal of the signals P1, P2,and P3 input from the pixel control circuit 12 to the PD control circuit14 as a signal Pctrl.

The PD control circuit 14 includes a positive metal-oxide-semiconductor(PMOS) transistor and a negative metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS)transistor connected in series in an electric path between a voltage Vddand a voltage Vss. The voltage Vdd is set to a voltage of approximately3 V in the present exemplary embodiment. On the other hand, the voltageVss is set to a ground voltage, and Va is set to a voltage ofapproximately −20 V. The voltages Vdd, Vss, and Va are changed asnecessary.

The signal Pctrl is input to a gate of each of these PMOS transistor andNMOS transistor. The PMOS transistor is a recharging circuit forperforming a recharging operation of returning a voltage Vcath to avoltage around the voltage Vdd after the voltage Vcath reduces due tothe avalanche multiplication. The return of the voltage Vcath to thevoltage around the voltage Vdd brings the photodiode PD into a stateready for the avalanche multiplication (a state waiting for theavalanche multiplication). In the present disclosure, a period duringwhich the photodiode PD is in the state waiting for the avalanchemultiplication, and a period during which the photodiode PD is in anavalanche multiplication stopped state will be referred to as a waitingperiod and a stop period, respectively.

A cathode of the photodiode PD and the waveform generation circuit 15are connected to a node to which the PMOS transistor and the NMOStransistor are connected.

An anode terminal of the photodiode PD is connected to a power sourcenode of the voltage Va. The voltage Va is typically a negative highvoltage. The cathode of the photodiode PD is connected to the PD controlcircuit 14. A voltage at the cathode of the photodiode PD will bereferred to as the voltage Vcath.

The waveform generation circuit 15 includes a Set-Reset (SR) latchcircuit 151 and a Not-OR (NOR) circuit 152. The cathode of thephotodiode PD is connected to an S terminal of the SR latch circuit 151,and the voltage Vcath is input thereto. The signal Pctrl is input to anR terminal. An input unit of the NOR circuit 152 is connected to thecathode of the photodiode PD and the SR latch circuit 151. The voltageVcath and a signal generated by inverting a signal Vlat output from theSR latch circuit 151 are input to the NOR circuit 152. An output unit ofthe NOR circuit 152 is connected to the counter 16. The counter 16counts and cumulates a pulse of a signal Pp output from the NOR circuit152 during a predetermined period (a period set by the verticalselection circuit 30). The counter 16 outputs a count signal that is aresult of cumulating the count to the outside of the pixel as a signalPOUT. The cumulation period during which the counter 16 cumulates thecount that is set by the vertical selection circuit 30 can be set to,for example, a period corresponding to one frame of an image formed byusing a signal output from the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100.As another configuration, the cumulation period can also be set bydividing the one frame into a plurality of fields and defining a periodcorresponding to one field among the plurality of fields as the periodduring which the counter 16 cumulates the count. The counter 16cumulates the count during a period from a start to an end of thecumulation period. After the cumulation is ended and the readout of thesignal POUT is ended, the count signal of the counter 16 is reset to aninitial value.

The counter 16 is also connected to the selector 13. The selector 13switches to a signal which should be selected as the signal Pctrl, amongthe signals P1 to P3 based on whether the count value of the counter 16reaches a threshold value. In other words, the selector 13 is a controlcircuit that switches to the signal which should be output among thesignals P1 to P3 based on the count signal. Thus, the selector 13 is aselection circuit that switches between the waiting state for causingthe avalanche multiplication and the stopped state in which theavalanche multiplication is stopped based on the count signal.

The photodiode PD generates an avalanche current in reaction to an entryof photons when a reverse bias voltage applied between the anode and thecathode is equal to or higher than a breakdown voltage Vbd. Due to aflow of the avalanche current in the photodiode PD, the voltage Vcath atthe cathode of the photodiode PD changes. The change in the voltageVcath leads to a change in the signal of the signal Pp that the waveformgeneration circuit 15 outputs, thereby causing an output of a photondetection pulse to the counter 16.

When the signal Pctrl output from the selector 13 is at a Low level, thePD control circuit 14 performs the recharging operation upon a reductionof the voltage Vcath due to the avalanche current. More specifically, anelectric current flows from the node of the voltage Vdd to the node ofthe voltage Vcath via the PMOS transistor, and the voltage Vcathincreases. Then, the voltage between the anode and the cathode of thephotodiode PD matches or exceeds the breakdown voltage Vbd again. As aresult, the photodiode PD is brought into a state ready to perform theavalanche multiplication operation again.

On the other hand, when the signal Pctrl is in a High-level state, thevoltage Vcath is kept constant at a value around the voltage Vss.Therefore, the photodiode PD is brought into the stop state in which thephotodiode PD does not cause the avalanche multiplication.

In the present exemplary embodiment, an operation of shifting the signallevel of the signal Pctrl output from the selector 13, from the Lowlevel to the High level is performed when the count value of the counter16 reaches the threshold value. Then, the pixel according to the presentexemplary embodiment increases the stop period of the avalanchemultiplication in correspondence with an increase in the count value.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the pixel accordingto the present exemplary embodiment.

In step S101, the control circuit (not illustrated) resets the countvalue of the counter 16 to the initial value. Typically, in the initialvalue, all bit values are zero.

If the current time is within the count period during which the counter16 carries out counting in step S102 (YES in step S102), the operationproceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the current time is notwithin the count period (NO in step S102), the operation is ended.

In step S103, the counter 16 performs the operation of counting thepulse of the signal Pp.

In step S104, the operation branches based on whether the count value ofthe counter 16 reaches a threshold value N1. If the count value does notreach the threshold value N1 (NO in step S104), the operation returns tostep S102 again. On the other hand, if the count value reaches thethreshold value N1 (YES in step S104), the operation proceeds to stepS105.

In step S105, an interval of the avalanche multiplication is set to aninterval Int1. As will be described below, the setting of the intervalis carried out by making a setting such that the signal is output fromthe selector 13 as the signal Pctrl to the signal P2. In other words, itcan also be stated that an avalanche stop period that lasts for thelength Int1 is interposed between the avalanche waiting periods.

If the current time is within the count period during which the counter16 keeps counting in step S106 (YES in step S106), the operationproceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the current time is notwithin the count period (NO in step S106), the operation proceeds tostep S113.

In step S107, the counter 16 performs the operation of counting thepulse of the signal Pp.

In step S108, the operation branches based on whether the count value ofthe counter 16 reaches a threshold value N2. If the count value does notreach the threshold value N2 (NO in step S108), the operation returns tostep S106 again. On the other hand, if the count value reaches thethreshold value N2 (YES in step S108), the operation proceeds to stepS109.

In step S109, the interval of the avalanche multiplication is set to aninterval Int2 that is longer than the interval Int1. As will bedescribed below, the setting of the interval is carried out by making asetting such that the signal is output from the selector 13 as thesignal Pctrl to the signal P3. In other words, it can also be statedthat an avalanche stop period that lasts for the length Int2 isinterposed between the avalanche waiting periods.

If the current time is within the count period during which the counter16 keeps counting in step S110 (YES in step S110), the operationproceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if the current time is notwithin the count period (NO in step S110), the operation proceeds tostep S113.

In step S111, the counter 16 performs the operation of counting thepulse of the signal Pp.

If the current time is within the count period during which the counter16 keeps counting in step S112 (YES in step S112), the operation returnsto step S111, from which the count operation continues. On the otherhand, if the current time is not within the count period (NO in stepS112), the operation proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the count value is output from the counter 16 to theoutside of the pixel as the signal POUT. After that, the operation isended.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the pixelaccording to the present exemplary embodiment. Each of referencenumerals illustrated in FIG. 5 corresponds to each of the signalsillustrated in FIG. 3.

At time t1, the selector 13 selects the signal P1 as the signal Pctrl.

When photons are incident on the photodiode PD, the avalanchemultiplication occurs and the voltage Vcath reduces. Since the signalPctrl input into the R terminal of the SR latch circuit 151 is at theLow level, the signal Vlat is kept at the High level regardless of thelevel of the voltage Vcath input into the S terminal.

A signal in which the signal Vlat is inverted, i.e., a signal at the Lowlevel is input to the NOR circuit 152. Therefore, when the voltage Vcathfalls below a voltage corresponding to a logical threshold value of theNOR circuit 152, the signal Pp output from the NOR circuit 152 isswitched to the High level. On the other hand, when the voltage Vcathexceeds the logical threshold value of the NOR circuit 152 due to therecharging operation, the signal Pp is switched to the Low level.

The counter 16 increments the count value by one every time the signalPp is switched from the Low level to the High level.

At time t2, the count value reaches the threshold value N1. When thecount value reaches the threshold value N1, the selector 13 selects thesignal P2 as the signal to be output as the signal Pctrl. As a result,the signal Pctrl becomes a signal having the interval Int1 between thetransition from the Low level to the High level and the transition tothe Low level again.

As described above, the PD control circuit 14 performs the rechargingoperation of returning the voltage Vcath to the voltage Vdd upon thereduction in the voltage Vcath while the signal Pctrl is at the Lowlevel. On the other hand, the voltage Vcath is kept constant at thevoltage (the Low level) around the voltage Vss while the signal Pctrl isthe High level.

The signal Vlat is kept at the Low level while the voltage Vcath inputinto the S terminal is at the Low level and the signal Pctrl input intothe R terminal is at the High level. When the signal Pctrl is switchedto the Low level and the voltage Vcath is switched to the High level,the signal Vlat is switched to the High level again.

In this manner, the pixel is configured to stop the avalanchemultiplication caused by the photodiode PD at the interval Int1 when thecount value reaches the threshold value N1.

In a period from time t2 to time t3, 50% are set to both the periodduring which the avalanche multiplication is caused and the periodduring which the avalanche multiplication is stopped. In other words,the avalanche waiting period that lasts for a first length and the stopperiod of the avalanche multiplication that lasts for the same firstlength are sequentially and alternately set.

After that, the count value reaches the threshold value N2 at time t3.When the count value reaches the threshold value N2, the selector 13selects the signal P3 as the signal to be output as the signal Pctrl. Asa result, the signal Pctrl becomes a signal having the interval Int2between the transition from the Low level to the High level and thetransition to the Low level again.

An operation at this time is similar to the operation from time t2 totime t3 except that the interval in which the photodiode PD stops theavalanche multiplication is extended from the interval Int1 to theinterval Int2.

In a period after time t3, 25% and 75% are set as the ratio occupied bythe period during which the avalanche multiplication is caused, and theratio occupied by the period during which the avalanche multiplicationis stopped. In other words, the avalanche waiting period that lasts forthe first length and the stop period of the avalanche multiplicationthat lasts for a second length which is longer than the first length(three times as long as the first length in the present exemplaryembodiment) are sequentially and alternately set.

In such a manner, the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100 accordingto the present exemplary embodiment increases the interval (i.e., thelength of the stop period) between the periods during which theavalanche multiplication is caused (the waiting periods) according tothe increase in the count value. In other words, the photoelectricconversion apparatus 100 performs control such that the ratio of thelength of the period during which the photodiode PD is in the stop stateis set higher than the length of the period during which the photodiodePD is in the waiting state. In other words, when the period after thecount value reaches the threshold is compared with the period before thecount value reaches the threshold value, the former period is longerthan the latter period.

In such a manner, the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100 accordingto the present exemplary embodiment reduces the number of times that theavalanche multiplication is caused when light with high illuminance isincident. As a result, the power consumption can be reduced at thepixel.

The count signal of the counter 16 does not have to be output to theselector 13 with respect to all of the bits. For example, thephotoelectric conversion apparatus 100 may be configured such that onlya signal of the most significant bit corresponding to the thresholdvalue is output to the selector 13. In the case of this configuration,the intended effects can be achieved by configuring the selector 13 tochange the signal to be output as the signal Pctrl in reaction to achange in the signal level of the most significant bit corresponding tothe threshold value.

Further, as another example, the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100may include a comparison unit that indicates a result of comparing thecount value of the counter 16 and the threshold value. A signal outputfrom this comparison unit is input to the selector 13. The intendedeffects can be achieved by configuring the selector 13 to change thesignal to be output as the signal Pctrl in reaction to a change in thesignal output from the comparison unit.

Next, processing for correcting the signal POUT output from the pixelaccording to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 illustrates a relationship between the number of photons incidenton the photodiode PD and the signal POUT.

Until the signal POUT reaches the threshold value N1, a gradient of thenumber of incident photons and the signal POUT has a relationship of agradient a. Ideally, if the counter 16 counts all photons incident onthe photodiode PD without any omission, the gradient a is one, and thenumber of photons P1 and the threshold value N1 match each other.

When the signal POUT reaches the threshold value N1, the avalanchewaiting period that lasts for the first length and the stop period ofthe avalanche multiplication that lasts for the same first length arealternately set as described above. Therefore, the gradient of thesignal POUT with respect to the number of incident photons reduces toa/2. Being generalized, the gradient is expressed as the gradient a ×thelength of the avalanche waiting period/(the length of the avalanchewaiting period+the length of the avalanche stop period). When nrepresents the length of the avalanche waiting period/(the length of theavalanche waiting period+the length of the avalanche stop period), thegradient is expressed as a/n. In the present exemplary embodiment, n is2.

When the signal POUT reaches the threshold value N2, the avalanchewaiting period that lasts for the first length and the stop period ofthe avalanche multiplication that lasts for the second length which islonger than the first length (three times as long as the first length inthe present exemplary embodiment) are alternately set as describedabove. Therefore, the gradient of the signal POUT with respect to thenumber of incident photons reduces to a/4. Being generalized, thegradient is expressed as the gradient a ×the length of the avalanchewaiting period/(the length of the avalanche waiting period+the length ofthe avalanche stop period). When m represents the length of theavalanche waiting period/(the length of the avalanche waiting period+thelength of the avalanche stop period), the gradient is expressed as a/m.In the present exemplary embodiment, m is 4.

The processing for correcting the signal POUT is performed when thecount value Nx is greater than the threshold value N1. In the presentexemplary embodiment, a count value at which the gradient of the signalPOUT with respect to the number of incident photons falls in a rangedifferent from the gradient a is corrected so as to match the gradienta.

The count value of the signal POUT corresponding to the number ofincident photons Px (Px satisfies P1<Px<P2) is acquired as Nx1. Thecount value Nx1 before the correction, is corrected to acquire a countvalue Nx2 after the correction in the following manner.

Nx 2=n·Nx 1−(n−1)·N 1  (1)

Since n is n=2 in the present exemplary embodiment,

Nx 2=2 Nx 1−N 1  (2)

is derived from equation (1).

Further, the count value of the signal POUT corresponding to the numberof incident photons Py (Py satisfies P2<Py) is acquired as Ny1. Thiscount value Ny1 before the correction is corrected to acquire a countvalue Ny2 after the correction in the following manner.

Ny 2=m·Ny 1−(m−n)·N 2−(n−1)·N 1  (3)

Then, since m=4 and n=2, in the present exemplary embodiment,

Ny 2=4 Ny 1−2 N 2−N 1  (4)

is derived from equation (3).

The signal POUT corresponding to the number of incident photons havingthe relationship of the gradient a can be acquired as illustrated inFIG. 6 by correcting the signal POUT in this manner.

The correction unit that performs the correction processing may be thesignal processing circuit 40 of the photoelectric conversion apparatus100 illustrated in FIG. 1 or may be the output circuit 60.Alternatively, a signal processing circuit provided outside thephotoelectric conversion apparatus 100 may serve as the correction unitthat performs the correction processing.

In this manner, the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100 according tothe present exemplary embodiment can reduce the power consumption of thepixel by reducing the number of times of the avalanche multiplicationwhen the light with high illuminance is incident. Further, thephotoelectric conversion apparatus 100 can acquire the count valuecorresponding to the number of photons incident on the photodiode PD bycorrecting the signal POUT output from the pixel.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the length of the avalanche stopperiod is changed by using the two threshold values N1 and N2. Thethreshold value used therefor is not limited to this example. Thethreshold value may be only one or may be more than that value. Further,when the threshold value is provided, it is desirable to set theavalanche waiting period and the avalanche stop period in such a mannerthat the gradient of the number of incident photons and the signal POUTillustrated in FIG. 6 has a relationship of ½n. This is because such asetting can facilitate the calculation in the processing for correctingthe count value that has been described with reference to FIG. 6.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the photoelectric conversionapparatus 100 has been described in which the configuration of the pixel11 is all mounted on one semiconductor substrate as illustrated inFIG. 1. However, the configuration of the pixel is not limited to thisexample. The pixel may be configured in the following manner. Thephotodiode PD is mounted on a first semiconductor substrate, and thecounter 16 is mounted on another second semiconductor substrate. Then,the pixel is configured as a stacked sensor in which the firstsemiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate arestacked. The pixel control circuit 12, the selector 13, the PD controlcircuit 14, or the waveform generation circuit 15 can be mounted on anyof the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductorsubstrate.

As another example, the photodiode PD is mounted on the firstsemiconductor substrate, and the pixel control circuit 12, the selector13, the PD control circuit 14, and the waveform generation circuit 15are mounted on the second semiconductor substrate. In this case, thephotodiode PD on the first semiconductor substrate and the PD controlcircuit 14 on the second semiconductor substrate are connected to eachother via a connection node between the substrates. Further, thephotodiode PD on the first semiconductor substrate and the waveformgeneration circuit 15 on the second semiconductor substrate areconnected to each other via another connection node.

In the following description, a second exemplary embodiment will bedescribed. A photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the presentexemplary embodiment will be described, focusing on differences from thefirst exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration of the pixel 11 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment. In the present exemplary embodiment, thephotoelectric conversion apparatus is different from the first exemplaryembodiment in the configuration of the PD control circuit 14.

In the PD control circuit 14 according to the present exemplaryembodiment, a PMOS transistor 141 and a PMOS transistor 142 areconnected to each other in a cascade manner A voltage Vq input to a gateof the PMOS transistor 141 is a voltage that brings about a conductivestate between a source and a drain of the PMOS transistor 141. The PMOStransistor 142 is configured such that a parasitic capacitance thereoffalls below a parasitic capacitance of the PMOS transistor 141.Typically, the size of the PMOS transistor 142 is smaller than the sizeof the PMOS transistor 141. The size of the transistor can be reducedby, for example, forming the transistor such that at least one of thegate length and the gate width is reduced.

Then, the PMOS transistor connected to the photodiode PD is arranged soas to have a smaller parasitic capacitance in the present exemplaryembodiment than the PMOS transistor of the PD control circuit 14according to the first exemplary embodiment.

As a result, the photoelectric conversion apparatus can speed up therecharging operation after the voltage Vcath reduces due to theavalanche multiplication. Therefore, the photoelectric conversionapparatus can shorten the period from when the avalanche multiplicationoccurs until when the photodiode PD becomes ready for the avalanchemultiplication again, compared to the first exemplary embodiment.Therefore, the photoelectric conversion apparatus can reduce theoccurrence of omission in counting a photon and the count value does notincrease even when a photon is incident on the photodiode PD.

In the following description, a third exemplary embodiment will bedescribed. The present exemplary embodiment will be described, focusingon differences from the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration of the pixel 11 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the selector 13 controls theavalanche waiting period and stop period of the photodiode PD bycontrolling the PMOS transistor (the recharging element) and the NMOStransistor of the PD control circuit 14. In the present exemplaryembodiment, the avalanche waiting period and stop period of thephotodiode PD are controlled by controlling a potential at the anode ofthe photodiode PD. Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, thewaveform generation circuit 15 is configured as an inverter circuit.

The photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the presentexemplary embodiment can be configured to operate in a similar manner tothe first exemplary embodiment. Due to the configuration, thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to the present exemplaryembodiment can also bring about similar advantageous effects to thephotoelectric conversion apparatus 100 according to the first exemplaryembodiment.

In the following description, a fourth exemplary embodiment will bedescribed. The present exemplary embodiment will be described, focusingon differences from the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration of the pixel 11 included in thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to the present exemplaryembodiment.

In the photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the presentexemplary embodiment, the PD control circuit 14 of the pixel 11 includesa selector 145 and a PMOS transistor 146. The voltage Vq input to a gateof the PMOS transistor 146 is a voltage that brings about a conductivestate between a source and a drain of the PMOS transistor 146.

The signal Pctrl is input from the selector 13 to the selector 145. Whenthe signal Pctrl is at the Low level, the selector 145 outputs thevoltage Vdd to the PMOS transistor 146. When the signal Pctrl is at theHigh level, the selector 145 outputs the voltage Vss to the PMOStransistor 146. Therefore, the period during which the signal Pctrl isat the Low level corresponds to the avalanche waiting period, similarlyto the first exemplary embodiment. Further, the period during which thesignal Pctrl is at the High level corresponds to the stop period of theavalanche multiplication, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment.

The photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the presentexemplary embodiment can be configured to operate in a similar manner toFIG. 5 described in the first exemplary embodiment.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the photoelectric conversionapparatus can also bring about similar advantageous effects to thephotoelectric conversion apparatus 100 according to the first exemplaryembodiment.

In the following description, a fifth exemplary embodiment will bedescribed. The present exemplary embodiment will be described, focusingon differences from the first exemplary embodiment.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pixels 11 eachincludes the pixel control circuit 12. In the present exemplaryembodiment, a plurality of pixels 11 shares one pixel control circuit 12among them.

FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration of the pixel unit in thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to the present exemplaryembodiment. Pixels 11 in a plurality of columns that are laid out in onerow share one pixel control circuit 12 among them. The pixel controlcircuit 12 of the first row outputs signals P11, P12, and P13 to thepixels 11 in the plurality of columns in the row corresponding thereto.

The signals P11, P12, and P13 are similar signals to the signals P1, P2,and P3 described in the first exemplary embodiment, respectively in thisorder. The photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the presentexemplary embodiment can be configured to operate in a similar manner toFIG. 5 described in the first exemplary embodiment.

In this manner, the plurality of pixels 11 shares one pixel controlcircuit 12 among them in the present exemplary embodiment. Due to thisconfiguration, the photoelectric conversion apparatus can reduce thenumber of pixel control circuits 12, thereby reducing the area of thecircuit, compared to the first exemplary embodiment.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the photoelectric conversionapparatus is configured such that the plurality of pixels 11 laid out inone row and the plurality of columns shares one pixel control circuit 12among them, but is not limited to this example. As another example, thephotoelectric conversion apparatus may be configured such that aplurality of pixels 11 laid out in a plurality of rows and one columnshares one pixel control circuit 12 among them. Alternatively, thephotoelectric conversion apparatus may be configured such that the pixelarray is divided into a plurality of blocks each including a pluralityof pixels 11 in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and theplurality of pixels 11 included in one block shares one pixel controlcircuit 12 among them.

The idea in the present exemplary embodiment can also be applied to thesecond to fourth exemplary embodiments. In other words, the pixelcontrol circuit 12 described in each of the second to fourth exemplaryembodiments may also be configured such that a plurality of pixels 11shares the pixel control circuit 12 among them.

In the following description, a sixth exemplary embodiment will bedescribed. A photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the presentexemplary embodiment will be described, focusing on differences from thefifth exemplary embodiment.

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, the photoelectric conversionapparatus is configured such that the signals in the same phase areoutput from the plurality of pixel control circuits 12 as the signalsP11 to P13. In the present exemplary embodiment, the photoelectricconversion apparatus is configured such that signals in a differentphase from one another are output from the plurality of pixel controlcircuits 12.

FIG. 11 illustrates a configuration of the pixel unit in thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to the present exemplaryembodiment.

In the present exemplary embodiment, (n) is added to an end of areference numeral of a signal or a member, in the present disclosure andthe drawings when indicating the row position. The index (n) indicatesthat the signal or member corresponds to the n-th row.

The pixel control circuit 12(1) of the first row outputs the signalsP1(1) to P3(1) to the pixels 11 in the plurality of columns in the rowcorresponding thereto.

The pixel control circuit 12(2) of the second row outputs the signalsP1(2) to P3(2) to the pixels 11 in the plurality of columns in the rowcorresponding thereto.

The pixel control circuit 12(3) of the third row outputs the signalsP1(3) to P3(3) to the pixels 11 in the plurality of columns in the rowcorresponding thereto.

FIG. 12 illustrates an operation of the pixel 11 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment. Each signal illustrated in FIG. 12corresponds to each signal illustrated in FIG. 11.

The signals P1(1), P1(2), and P1(3) are kept constant at the Low level.

The signals P2(1), P2(2), and P2(3) are signals having the same cycle.The signals P2(1) and P2(2) have an opposite phase to each other. Thesignals P2(1) and P2(3) have the same phase.

The signals P3(1), P3(2), and P3(3) are signals having the same cycle.The signal P3(2) is a signal delayed in phase behind the signal P3(1)(by a half of the cycle of the signal P2). Similarly, the signal P3(3)is a signal delayed in phase behind the signal P3(2) (by the half of thecycle of the signal P2). The signal P3(3) is a signal delayed in phasebehind the signal P3(1) by the cycle of the signal P2.

The avalanche current due to the avalanche multiplication causes thevoltage change at the node which supplies the voltage Vdd. A potentialchange of the voltage Vdd becomes significant as the pixels 11 where theavalanche multiplication occurs at the same time, increases in thenumber. This leads to a delay in the recharging operation of the PDcontrol circuit 14, a false operation of another circuit element, and areduction in operational accuracy.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the signal P2(n) of the pixelcontrol circuit 12(n) of some row and the signal P2(m) of the pixelcontrol circuit 12(m) of another row have different phases. This allowsthe avalanche waiting periods to happen at different timings between thepixel 11 in which the avalanche multiplication is controlled by thesignal P2(n) and the pixel 11 in which the avalanche multiplication iscontrolled by the signal P2(m). As a result, the photoelectricconversion apparatus can reduce the number of pixels where the avalanchemultiplication is caused at the same time, thereby suppressing thepotential change of the voltage Vdd.

Similarly, the signal P3(n) of the pixel control circuit 12(n) of somerow and the signal P3(m) of the pixel control circuit 12(m) of anotherrow have different phase from each other. This allows the avalanchewaiting periods to happen at different timings between the pixel 11 inwhich the avalanche multiplication is controlled by the signal P3(n) andthe pixel 11 in which the avalanche multiplication is controlled by thesignal P3(m).

In this manner, the photoelectric conversion apparatus according to thepresent exemplary embodiment makes the signals output from some pixelcontrol circuit 12 and another pixel control circuit 12 have differentphases from each other. As a result, the photoelectric conversionapparatus can reduce the number of pixels where the avalanchemultiplication is caused at the same time, thereby suppressing thepotential change of the voltage Vdd.

The photoelectric conversion apparatus has been described in the presentexemplary embodiment referring to the example in which the signal P2(2)is delayed behind the signal P2(1) by the half of the cycle, but thedelay amount of the signal can be arbitrarily selected.

Similarly, a delay amount different from the present exemplaryembodiment can also be arbitrarily selected for the signal P3(2) withrespect to the signal P3(1).

An imaging system according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is ablock diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imagingsystem according to the present exemplary embodiment.

The photoelectric conversion apparatus 100 described in theabove-described first to sixth exemplary embodiments is applicable tovarious imaging systems. Examples of the imaging systems to which thephotoelectric conversion apparatus 100 is applicable include a digitalstill camera, a digital camcorder, a monitoring camera, a copyingmachine, a facsimile machine, a mobile phone, an in-vehicle camera, andan observatory satellite. Further, the imaging systems also include acamera module including an optical system such as a lens and an imagingapparatus, for example. FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates a block diagramof the digital still camera as an example of them.

An imaging system 200 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 13 includes animaging apparatus 201, a lens 202 for forming an optical image of asubject on the imaging apparatus 201, a diaphragm 204 for passing lightthrough the lens 202 by a variable light amount, and a barrier 206 forprotecting the lens 202. The lens 202 and the diaphragm 204 are anoptical system that collects the light onto the imaging apparatus 201.The imaging apparatus 201 is the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100described in the first to fifth exemplary embodiments, and converts theoptical image formed by the lens 202 into image data.

The imaging system 200 further includes a signal processing unit 208,which processes a signal output from the imaging apparatus 201. Thesignal processing unit 208 carries out an AD conversion of converting ananalog signal output from the imaging apparatus 201 into a digitalsignal. Further, the signal processing unit 208 carries out variouskinds of corrections and compressions as necessary to output the imagedata. An AD conversion unit, which is a part of the signal processingunit 208, may be formed on a semiconductor substrate on which theimaging apparatus 201 is mounted or may be formed on a differentsemiconductor substrate from the imaging apparatus 201. Further, theimaging apparatus 201 and the signal processing unit 208 may be formedon the same semiconductor substrate.

The imaging system 200 further includes a memory unit 210 fortemporarily storing the image data, and an external interface unit (anexternal I/F unit) 212 for communicating with an external computer andthe like. The imaging system 200 further includes a recording medium 214such as a semiconductor memory for recording or reading out the imagingdata, and a recording medium control interface unit (a recording mediumcontrol I/F unit) 216 for allowing the imaging data to be recorded intoor read out from the recording medium 214. The recording medium 214 maybe built within the imaging system 200 or may be detachably mounted.

The imaging system 200 further includes an overall control/calculationunit 218, which controls various kinds of calculations and the entiredigital still camera, and a timing generation unit 220, which outputsvarious kinds of timing signals to the imaging apparatus 201 and thesignal processing unit 208. The timing signal and the like may be inputfrom the outside of the imaging system 200, and the imaging system 200may have a different configuration as long as the imaging system 200includes at least the imaging apparatus 201, and the signal processingunit 208 that processes the output signal output from the imagingapparatus 201.

The imaging apparatus 201 outputs an imaging signal to the signalprocessing unit 208. The signal processing unit 208 performspredetermined signal processing on the imaging signal output from theimaging apparatus 201, and outputs the image data. The image processingunit 208 generates the image by using the imaging signal.

In this manner, according to the present exemplary embodiment, theimaging system to which the photoelectric conversion apparatus 100according to the first to sixth exemplary embodiments is applied can berealized.

An imaging system and a moving object according to an eighth exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.14A and 14B. FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a configuration of the imagingsystem and the moving object according to the present exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 14A illustrates an example of an imaging system regarding thein-vehicle camera. An imaging system 300 includes an imaging apparatus310. The imaging apparatus 310 is the photoelectric conversion apparatus100 described in any of the above-described first to sixth exemplaryembodiments. The imaging system 300 includes an image processing unit312, which performs image processing on a plurality of pieces of imagedata acquired by the imaging apparatus 310, and a parallax acquisitionunit 314, which calculates a parallax (a phase difference betweenparallax images) from the plurality of pieces of image data acquired bythe imaging system 300. Further, the imaging system 300 includes adistance acquisition unit 316, which calculates a distance to a targetbased on the calculated parallax, and a collision determination unit318, which determines whether there is a collision possibility based onthe calculated distance. The parallax acquisition unit 314 and thedistance acquisition unit 316 are an example of a distance informationacquisition unit that acquires information about distance to the target.In other words, the distance information refers to information regardingthe parallax, a defocus amount, the distance to the target, and thelike. The collision determination unit 318 may determine the collisionpossibility using any of these pieces of distance information. Thedistance information acquisition unit may be realized by hardwaredesigned specially therefor or may be realized by a software module.Alternatively, the distance information acquisition unit may be realizedby a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), or the like, or may be realized by acombination of them.

The imaging system 300 is connected to a vehicle information acquisitionapparatus 320, and can acquire vehicle information, such as a vehiclespeed, a yaw rate, and a steering angle. Further, the imaging system 300is connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) 330, which is a controlapparatus that outputs a control signal for generating a braking forcefor the vehicle based on a result of the determination by the collisiondetermination unit 318. Further, the imaging system 300 is alsoconnected to a warning apparatus 340, which issues a warning to a driverbased on the result of the determination by the collision determinationunit 318. For example, when the collision possibility is high as theresult of the determination by the collision determination unit 318, thecontrol ECU 330 controls the vehicle to avoid the collision or reducedamage by, for example, braking the vehicle, returning an accelerator,and/or reducing an engine output. The warning apparatus 340 warns theuser by, for example, sounding a warning, for example, displayingwarning information on a screen of a car navigation system or the like,and/or vibrating a seat belt or a steering wheel.

In the present exemplary embodiment, surroundings of the vehicle, suchas the front or the rear of the vehicle, are imaged by the imagingsystem 300. FIG. 14B illustrates the imaging system 300 when the imagingsystem 300 images the front of the vehicle (an imaging range 350). Thevehicle information acquisition apparatus 320 transmits an instructionto the imaging system 300 or the imaging apparatus 310. Owing to such aconfiguration, the distance can be measured with much improved accuracy.

In the above description, the imaging system 300 has been describedreferring to the example that performs control so as to prevent thevehicle from colliding with another vehicle, but is also applicable tocontrol performed to autonomously drive the vehicle so as to cause thevehicle to follow another vehicle, to autonomously drive the vehicle soas to prevent the vehicle from departing from a traffic lane, and thelike. Further, the imaging system 300 is applicable to not only avehicle such as the car on which the imaging system 300 itself ismounted, but also a moving object (a moving apparatus) such as a ship,an airplane, or an industrial robot. In addition, the imaging system 300is applicable to not only the moving object but is also widelyapplicable to an apparatus using object recognition, such as anintelligent transportation system (ITS).

Modified Exemplary Embodiments

The disclosure can be modified in various manners without limitation tothe above-described exemplary embodiments.

For example, embodiments of the disclosure also include examples inwhich a part of the configuration of any of the exemplary embodiments isadded to another exemplary embodiment or a part of the exemplaryembodiments is replaced with a part of another exemplary embodiment.

Further, the imaging systems described in the above-described seventhand eighth exemplary embodiments show examples of the imaging systems towhich the photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the disclosureis applicable, and the imaging systems to which the photoelectricconversion apparatus according to the disclosure is applicable is notlimited to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 13, and 14A and 14B.

Any of the above-described exemplary embodiments merely shows an exampleof how to specifically embody the disclosure when implementing thedisclosure, and the technical scope of the disclosure is not construedlimited to them. In other words, the disclosure can be implemented invarious manners without departing from the technical idea thereof or themain features thereof.

According to the disclosure, the power consumption of the pixel can bereduced.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limitedto the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the followingclaims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompassall such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A photoelectric conversion apparatus comprising:a photodiode to which a first voltage and a second voltage are supplied,the photodiode being an avalanche-multiplication-type photodiode; acounter configured to count a pulse generated at the photodiode, andhold a count value; and a control circuit provided between thephotodiode and the first voltage, wherein a signal input into thecontrol circuit has a first level and a second level, wherein a periodfrom resetting the count value of the counter to reading the count valueof the counter includes a first period and a second period that is afterthe first period, wherein the second period is a period after the countvalue reaches a threshold value, wherein, in the first period, a ratioof a length of the second level to a length of the first level is afirst value, wherein, in the second period, a ratio of a length of thesecond level to a length of the first level is a second value, andwherein the second value is greater than the first value.
 2. Thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in thefirst period, the signal input into the control circuit is kept at thefirst level, and wherein, in the second period, the signal input intothe control circuit is set at the first level and at the second levelsequentially more than once.
 3. The photoelectric conversion apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein, in the first period, the signal inputinto the control circuit is set at the first level and at the secondlevel sequentially more than once, and wherein, in the second period,the signal input into the control circuit is set at the first level andat the second level sequentially more than once.
 4. The photoelectricconversion apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the period furtherincludes a third period that is after the second period, wherein thethird period is a period after the count value reaches a secondthreshold value that is greater than the threshold value, wherein, inthe third period, the signal input into the control circuit is set atthe first level and at the second level sequentially more than once, andwherein a length of the second level in the third period is greater thana length of the second level in the second period.
 5. The photoelectricconversion apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the period furtherincludes a third period that is after the second period, wherein thethird period is a period after the count value reaches a secondthreshold value that is greater than the threshold value, wherein, inthe third period, the signal input into the control circuit is set atthe first level and at the second level sequentially more than once, andwherein a length of the second level in the third period is greater thana length of the second level in the second period.
 6. The photoelectricconversion apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising acorrection unit configured to correct the count value based on thelength of the second level when the count value output from the counterexceeds the threshold value.
 7. The photoelectric conversion apparatusaccording to claim 2 further comprising a correction unit configured tocorrect the count value based on the length of the second level when thecount value output from the counter exceeds the threshold value.
 8. Thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 3, furthercomprising a correction unit configured to correct the count value basedon the length of a period of the second level when the count valueoutput from the counter exceeds the threshold value.
 9. Thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 6, wherein thecount signal is corrected based on a following equation (A),Nx 2=n·Nx 1−(n−1)·N 1  (A) where, Nx2 represents the count value afterthe correction, n represents the length of the period of the firstlevel/(the length of the period of the first level+the length of theperiod of the second level) after the count value reaches the thresholdvalue, Nx1 represents the count value before the correction, and N1represents the threshold value.
 10. The photoelectric conversionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is arecharging circuit, wherein a recharging operation is performed by therecharging circuit when a signal having the first level is input intothe control circuit, and wherein the recharging operation by therecharging circuit is stopped when a signal having the second level isinput into the control circuit.
 11. The photoelectric conversionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first voltage is a potentialat an anode of the photodiode, wherein the second voltage is a potentialat a cathode of the photodiode, and wherein the control circuit isconfigured to change the potential at the anode of the photodiode. 12.The photoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of pixels including the photodiode, wherein thecontrol circuit is connected in common to the plurality of pixels. 13.The photoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thephotodiode is mounted on a first semiconductor substrate, and thecounter is mounted on a second semiconductor substrate, and wherein thefirst semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate arestacked.
 14. An imaging system comprising: the photoelectric conversionapparatus according to claim 1; and a signal processing unit configuredto process a signal output from the photoelectric conversion apparatus.15. An imaging system comprising: the photoelectric conversion apparatusaccording to claim 1; and a correction unit configured to correct thecount value based on the length of the period of the second level whenthe count value output from the counter exceeds the threshold value. 16.The imaging system according to claim 15, wherein the count signal iscorrected based on a following equation (A),Nx 2=n·Nx 1−(n−1)·N 1  (A) where, Nx2 represents the count value afterthe correction, n represents the length of the period of the firstlevel/(the length of the period of the first level+the length of theperiod of the second level) after the count value reaches the thresholdvalue, Nx1 represents the count value before the correction, and N1represents the threshold value.
 17. A moving object comprising: thephotoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 1; a distanceinformation acquisition unit configured to acquire information aboutdistance to a target, from a parallax image based on a signal from thephotoelectric conversion apparatus; and a control unit configured tocontrol the moving object based on the distance information.